Drawing on Inspiration

After my floss-organising session last week I decided I needed to make a little change. At the moment, I only stitch to please myself and I have no deadlines or anxious customers. So, I thought to myself, I may as well make the most of it and do what ever pleases me!

Rather than rushing headlong into anything, I spent a good deal of time sketching out ideas. A lot of my previous work has been more technique based do I thought it was time I tried to “paint with thread”. I am not terribly confident when it comes to drawing but it is integral to this kind of project so I just had to power through it! I started sketching out some favourite photos from our first year in Italy and I think that a couple of them will make nice embroidered landscapes.

I also started to sketch out some ideas I had for this bold variegated floss I bought I while back. I had asked for idea from IG friends and readers of this blog. I received loads of great suggestions, some of which I will be sure to use. As is often the case though, as soon as I asked the question, I had a flash of inspiration all on my own! I decided it was time to give it a go.

I was a little afraid to make a start on this, because it is going to be quite a challenge to complete. But, having made some sketches I was reasonably happy with, I felt a bit happier about continuing. I think the thought of being able to use the variegated floss might have been the deciding factor! I wonder if anyone can guess how I am going to use in this project?

After making a complete mess of the first pattern to fabric transfer, I finally started stitching in earnest yesterday. I know that the central figure is usually worked first, but I am trying to create a particular effect and I decided this was the best way to go. I chose that colour for the armchair because I have very fond memories of an old red velvet armchair in our front room when I was a little girl. I am going to try and make a start on the face and hands today….so it is entirely possible that my next post will be about how I have consigned this project to the bin!

By the way, apologies for the quality of the pictures. I left my camera in London and I am currently trying to arrange to get it sent by FedEx to me in Italy. I have spent more time than I care to admit on the FedEx website – I am not sure if it is intentionally complicated or I am being unintentionally dozy! Anyway, I do hope it arrives in time for a special trip we are making next weekend.